Starting a New Job!
How to cope with your first days in a new job
No matter what qualifications or experience you may have, sooner or later you will be faced with the prospect of starting a new job. Even for the most confident of us, it’s daunting to walk into the office on the first day and not know anyone. So how should you prepare?
Firstly, make sure you’ve had an early night. I have heard many stories in my recruitment career, including one about a young lady who, on the first morning of her induction course, was found fast asleep in a conference room when she was meant to be doing some reading!
You will be introduced to a lot of people in your first few days, and even though it will seem like information overload try to look interested and listen to what they have to say. While you probably won’t want to make notes while they are speaking it's worth scribbling down a few lines afterwards for future reference and to help you with the dreaded task of remembering names.
As the newcomer, you are going to be at your most vulnerable in the first few weeks. A huge percentage of unsuccessful hires within probationary periods are due to people “not fitting in” no matter how good their work is. So how do you ensure that the welcome mat doesn’t lead to the revolving door? First, don’t underestimate the water cooler effect – get to know your peers, go for those Friday night drinks and have lunch with people - it’s important in any new organisation to build a support network. Additionally, try and make a demonstrable “hit” in your first three months, so that you can show an immediate perceived value. Oh, and offer to do the coffee run – always a big hit!
It's a bit like starting school - those early impressions, can really stick. And the stakes can be high. Failing to create the right impression during the all important first few months can mean a real uphill battle for the rest of your time in the job. By working hard at building credibility and securing some early wins you’ll be laying a firm foundation for longer-term success.
By Jo Stuteley from office support recruiter la crème
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